Microsoft trademarks Direct Reality ahead of E3 2017

Microsoft recently said virtual reality won’t be part of their E3 2017 press conference. However, almost a week ago, they filed a trademark for a feature called “Direct Reality” which is related to gaming. According to the trademark listing, it covers “computer game software for holographic applications”. Could this be a sign that mixed reality will be teased at E3? Or maybe how HoloLens will work with the Xbox One family of devices? We don’t know at this point but it’s always fun to speculate.

A few months ago, Microsoft said that mixed reality would be coming to their consoles in 2018. Since then we haven’t really heard much about it. If I were to guess, I would say that Direct Reality is probably Microsoft’s term for mixed and virtual reality gaming on Project Scorpio and the interface which allows you to explore Xbox Live through a headset. During Build 2017, Microsoft demonstrated a space where Xbox Avatars could interact with one another—like a lounge. All of that probably refers to Direct Reality.

Hopefully Microsoft will tell us more at E3 2017, however, don’t hold your breath because they company has already denied it. Then again, it might all just be misdirection. Luckily, we should have an answer on Sunday, June 11.